The AFP is warning school leavers travelling for end of year celebrations that behaving badly at airports may result in not arriving at your desired party destination or even a flight ban.
Today (Thursday 24 November) at Gold Coast Airport the AFP reaffirmed its warning that offensive or inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated at airports as patrols increase during busy schoolies period.
Unlawful behaviour includes offences relating to intoxication, public disturbance, smoking in non-permitted areas, carrying prohibited items and incidents relating to assault.
Police will be increasing their presence at all major airports with drug detection dogs patrolling the terminals.
If caught with illicit drugs, school leavers could face drug possession charges and up to 2 years’ imprisonment.
In the past year, the AFP have recorded 50 incidents relating to intoxication and 10 incidents relating to assault at Gold Coast airport.
AFP Airport Police Commander at Gold Coast Airport, Josh Kinghorn said school leavers will be heading home if they can’t behave themselves.
“We don’t want to be the party police but the AFP will make arrests if passengers are intoxicated or causing a disturbance,” APC Kinghorn said.
“We understand school leavers want to celebrate the end of their exams, but passengers and airport staff deserve to feel safe during their flight.”
“If offensive or abusive behaviour occurs mid-flight, the AFP will be waiting at the terminal to arrest and escort offenders off the plane.”
The maximum penalty for offensive or disorderly behaviour on an aircraft is a $9000 fine (Section 256AA Civil Aviation Regulations -1988) and for interfering with crew or aircraft is 2 years’ imprisonment (Section 24 Civil Aviation Act 1988).
If you see suspicious behaviour at an airport, call the AFP’s Airport Watch on 131 AFP (131 237).
For police, fire or ambulance response to an emergency or life threatening situation, call 000.
